Leicester, one of the UK’s most diverse cities, offers exceptional halal food options. The city’s large South Asian community ensures excellent halal accessibility, with the famous Golden Mile and areas like Highfields providing countless choices. For more UK guides, see our halal food in UK hub.
Halal Food Overview in Leicester
Leicester’s diversity makes it excellent for halal dining.
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Halal Restaurants | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 150+ options |
| Variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Incredible diversity |
| Vegetarian Options | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Golden Mile famous |
| Halal Meat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Highfields excellent |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Outstanding city |
Best Areas for Halal Food
Golden Mile (Belgrave Road)
Leicester’s famous food street:
- Indian restaurants: Extensive selection
- Sweet shops: Famous for mithai
- Vegetarian focus: Hindu community
- Some halal meat: Available
- Cultural experience: Must-visit
Note: Golden Mile is predominantly vegetarian Indian, perfect for Muslims wanting to avoid meat concerns altogether. Halal meat options exist but verify.
Highfields
Halal meat hub:
- Pakistani cuisine: Traditional dishes
- Bangladeshi food: Various options
- Halal butchers: Fresh meat
- Grocery stores: South Asian products
- Authentic: Community area
Evington Road
Diverse food scene:
- Mixed cuisines: Various options
- Halal restaurants: Multiple choices
- Student-friendly: Near university
- Good value: Competitive prices
City Centre
Highcross Shopping Centre:
- Chain restaurants
- Food court options
- Quick service halal
Market Area:
- Leicester Market
- Diverse food stalls
- Some halal options
Types of Cuisine Available
Vegetarian Indian (Golden Mile)
Perfect for avoiding meat concerns:
- South Indian: Dosas, idli, vada
- Gujarati: Thali, snacks
- Punjabi vegetarian: Paneer dishes
- Chaat: Street food snacks
- Sweets: Incredible variety
Halal Meat Cuisines
Pakistani:
- Karahi and biryani
- BBQ and tikka
- Nihari and haleem
Bangladeshi:
- Fish curries
- Traditional dishes
Middle Eastern:
- Lebanese/Turkish
- Shawarma and kebabs
African:
- Somali restaurants
- Ethiopian options
Halal Fast Food
- Chicken shops: Throughout city
- Burger joints: Various options
- German Doner Kebab: Available
- Pizza: Halal options
The Golden Mile Experience
What to Expect
Belgrave Road offers:
- 1+ mile of restaurants: Incredible concentration
- Sweet shops: Dozens of options
- Grocery stores: Indian products
- Jewellery shops: Cultural hub
- Festival atmosphere: Especially Diwali
Must-Try on Golden Mile
Vegetarian Highlights (Always halal):
- Dosa: South Indian crepe
- Thali: Complete meal
- Pani puri: Street food
- Jalebi: Fresh and hot
- Kulfi: Indian ice cream
Sweet Shops:
- Bobby’s: Famous establishment
- Various mithai shops: Endless variety
- Fresh daily: Quality guaranteed
Popular Halal Restaurants
Golden Mile Area
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Various vegetarian | Indian | 100% meat-free |
| Select halal options | Mixed | Verify halal |
| Sweet centres | Desserts | Famous |
Highfields
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistani restaurants | South Asian | Halal meat |
| BBQ specialists | Grills | Excellent quality |
| Takeaways | Various | Late night |
City Centre
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chain restaurants | Mixed | Check halal status |
| Independent halal | Various | Growing scene |
Halal Shopping
Halal Butchers
Highfields Area:
- Multiple butchers
- Fresh halal meat
- Good prices
Evington:
- Community shops
- Quality meat
Supermarkets
- Tesco: Halal sections
- Asda: Various products
- Asian supermarkets: Extensive
Specialty Shopping
- Golden Mile shops: Indian groceries
- Highfields stores: Pakistani/Bangladeshi
- International markets: Various
Leicester for Muslim Visitors
Tourist Attractions
King Richard III Visitor Centre:
- City centre
- Food options nearby
National Space Centre:
- Outskirts
- Limited on-site
- Plan food separately
New Walk Museum:
- Free entry
- City centre
- Near food areas
Leicester City FC
King Power Stadium:
- Check stadium options
- Nearby restaurants
- Pre/post-match food in Highfields
Prayer Facilities
Leicester has 40+ mosques:
- Leicester Central Mosque: Significant
- Jame Masjid: Historic
- Various: Throughout city
Practical Tips
- Golden Mile vegetarian: Safe option, no meat concerns
- Highfields for meat: Halal assured
- Sweet shops: Don’t miss the sweets
- Diwali visit: Amazing atmosphere
- Mix areas: Try both vegetarian and meat options
- Leicester Market: Explore for variety
- University areas: Student deals
- Fresh jalebi: Morning is best
- Ask about halal: In non-Asian areas
- Diverse city: Welcoming atmosphere